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Tabitha Pearigen’s day starts at 3:50 a.m. when she wakes up every day to get to her first swimming practice at the Santa Maria Swim Club by 5 a.m. Then she drives to Santa Ynez Valley Union High School for her regular swim practice before school. 

“I love swimming because it’s such a competitive sport and seeing my opponent in the next lane next to me motivates me to be better,” Tabitha said. 

Despite the COVID-19 restrictions and the threat of not even having a sports season this year, several SYHS athletes have overcome those obstacles to break school records. 

Tabitha, 16, of Solvang, is shattering school records in swimming. The first record she broke was 100-meter backstroke, the day before the lockdowns started in March 2020. 

“Honestly last year was such a rollercoaster of emotions,” she said. “I have had my eyes on several records for a long time and having such a great win and then not allowed to swim the next day was weird.” 

This year, Tabitha broke the 500-meter freestyle record, set in 2000 by Deanna Lowry. Tabitha ended up swimming a time of 5:26.07. She also broke the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:58.35 and broke her first record in the 100 backstroke in 55.93 on April 22. 

Tabitha has been swimming for as long as she can remember, but started competitively swimming at age 11. 

“Swimming to me is like no other,” she said. “Being in the water is the best feeling and I like to set goals for myself and meet them.”

Tabitha never let shutdowns and not being able to go to campus stop her from her goals of breaking swimming records. She exercised on her own at home, and even had her mom take her to the beach to swim in the ocean to keep up her skills. 

“My coaches this year have been amazing and keeping my mental game positive,” she said. “I love my talks with Coach Jake (Kalkowski) and he gives me disciplined workouts tailored to me. I can’t thank our coaches enough for fighting for us.”

Tabitha’s coaches also encouraged her to try water polo and she has really gotten into the sport. 

“I really like water polo; it came easy to me,” she said. “I just had to learn the technique and moves, but being in the water with my friends is so fun.” 

Aside from Tabitha’s accomplishments, several other Pirate players have set new records in their sport. 

Also in swimming, Max Pecile set the record in 500 freestyle with a time of 4:50.48 on April 22, and later in the same meet he broke his own 100 backstroke record in 55.93. 

In football, Pirate quarterback Bennett Redell set the Santa Ynez career passing touchdown record in a 67-0 rout of Cabrillo in the final spring football game of the season April 16.

Redell threw four TD passes in the game, giving him 39 in his three-year varsity career. He had 11 passing touchdowns during the five-game 2021 season.

Logan Ast, who had a monster season running the ball, credits his success to putting all his efforts into training and his coaches and teammates that helped him keep focus. 

“I felt like unfinished business from last year,” Ast said. “I went into this year to prove to myself if I stayed working out and driven I could improve. Doing just that I think is the reason I think I did good and now have an opportunity to play next year.”

In the game against Cabrillo, Ast caught four passes for 110 yards, including three for touchdowns. He also threw a 42-yard TD pass to Declan Pollenz. Ast also ran wild in wins over Santa Barbara and Dos Pueblos. He rushed for a school-record 327 yards and four touchdowns against DP in a 41-3 win and had 163 yards and four scores in the Santa Barbara game, which the Pirates won 46-28. In three games, Ast has rushed for 534 yards on 70 carries and caught 12 passes for 192 yards.

“The game that I broke the record I felt like I was running forever and had in the back of my mind after that play I might be close to breaking the record,” Ast said. “It was so exciting to be able to finish my senior year this way, getting to play at all was amazing.” 

Ast has been playing football since he was 7 years old, and has deep family connections in the game as he recalled fond memories of playing catch with his dad and brothers. 

“My family spends every Sunday watching football and some of my best memories have been in this sport with my family and my teammates I have grown up doing this with,” Ast said. 

Ast will continue to play running back when he moves on to Cal Poly next year and is hoping to one day be a coach himself, but his career focus will be in forestry and fire sciences. 

“I have to give a shout out to the equipment coach John Warning who let me use his equipment and helped me through this past year,” Ast said. 

In the win over Cabrillo, Cam Prendercast also caught a touchdown and returned an interception 50 yards for a score.

The McClurg brothers also contributed with touchdown runs: Canyon McClurg had a 38-yard run on a reverse, and Cash McClurg finished the game with 54 yards on five carries.

The JV football team had an incredible season as well, going 3-0 and winning each game by at least 19 points. 

“During the uncharted past year of uncertainty our players and parents needed direction and authentic leadership, and without the endless efforts and positive mindset of Coach Josh McClurg, his talented coaching staff, our fearless and faithful athletic director, Ashley Coelho and all the people behind scenes, the opportunity to even have a football season would not of happened,” said Gina Ast. “With deep appreciation and respect to ALL these remarkable role models that never gave up and found creative ways to keep our kids focused on what they could control, and kept them physically and mentally prepared for the delayed season… thank you!!! Your time and dedication paid dividends this year and will continue to serve our kids in their future endeavors.”

The Pirates kept conditioning and staying ready to play since last summer, as Coelho submitted a 30-page business proposal last summer to the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department to get the athletes back to campus for workouts.

“It took just under a year to get sports back. Santa Ynez coaches, athletes, and parents were willing to do whatever it took to make sports happen,” Coelho said. “We were given an opportunity to have cross country lead the way in high school sports and from there water polo, outdoor grass volleyball, cheer, and football followed for the fall sports. Bottom line, Santa Ynez athletics is willing to do whatever it takes to get our student-athletes some normalcy back in their lives. I’m incredibly proud of every coach, athlete, and parent for complying with CDPH and SBCPHD, and for staying patient and never giving up.”

The post Despite COVID-19 challenges, Santa Ynez Pirate athletes excel and surpass several school records appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

$50 Cash or Check made out to:  SYHS Football Boosters

You can purchase a card at any of the following locations:

El Rancho Market

Nielsen’s Market

Harrison Hardware

Julia Tipolt, State Farm (Solvang, Mission Dr.)

Pirate Store @ Friday night home games

 High School Registration days: Tue, Jul 26 and Wed, Jul 27, 8am – 1pm at the PTSA/Pirate Store table

Or Contact:

Julia Tipolt, 688-5537-w or 805-452-2124 -cell or Julia@Juliatipolt.com

Josh McClurg, 688-6487  x 3228

Football Boosters and Football Players

Jacque Wagstaffe, Jacque@impulse.net  or 895-8556 –cell

The Pirate Pass sales help raise money to support our SYHS Football teams!  Go Pirates!! 

Pirate Pass Saving Card Merchants 2016

$50 Cash or Checks to SYHS Football Boosters / Valid Aug 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017

—————————————————————————————————————————-

1. A. ART KASLOW, DDS – Free Exam & X-Rays! $75 discount on treatment. Call 688-2269
2. ADVANCED AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS – 10% off oil change. $49.95 Smog Certificate (models newer than 1996)
3. ALFRESCO PICNIC in Buellton – $1.00 off any Sandwich or Salad, Monday–Wednesday, 225 McMurray Rd, 245-2864
4. ANTONIO’S PIZZA – 10% off Dine In or Take Out orders. Sorry not valid on Delivery orders.
5. ASCEND ACUPUNCTURE – 40% off second visit (cannot be used with Insurance) but we do accept insurance!  895-1164
6. AVANT TAPAS & WINE – 15% off food and wine
7. BACK AT THE RANCH –  10% off purchase, Wednesday only, Excludes furniture & lighting
8. BACON & BRINE – 10% off weekdays, lunch and dinner, including deliveries (new address of restaurant: 1618 Copenhagen Dr. Solvang)
9. BRENT & JEFF’S FLOORING – 2% off new flooring at time of purchase, Cardholder Only
10. BUELLTON GARAGE – $5.00 off any oil change.  Cannot be combined with other offers. Call for an appt: 688-3444
11. BUELLTON REC CENTER – 50% off 30 day All Access Card) Never Any Contract! Never Membership Fee.    Offer valid one per Pirate Pass. Does not apply to A La Carte classes.  buelltonrec.com
12. CALIFORNIA TACOS 1 & 2  – 10% off everything (excluding $6 menu and alcohol)
13. CHRISTINE PHOTOGRAPHY – 50% Off – One time set-up fee for a custom designed, mobile friendly Web App for your business. (Low monthly payment options).
14. COAST AUTO SALES – $100.00 discount on any vehicle in stock (ask for Tom Shean) 688-0755
15. COFFEE CABIN – 10% off all drinks (except kids drinks)
16. DANIEL GEHRS WINES, Los Olivos – Buy One Full Tasting, Get One Free, 21 and older
17. DELLAVALLE EMBROIDERY – 50% off Custom Logo Setup with first order.  10% off Garment/Embroidery orders.  10% off Custom Letterman Jacket OR orders over $75 we will donate 5% to your favorite SYVUHS Booster Club. Offers may not be combined.  693-9922
18. DESIGN ALTERNATIVES – 10% Off on Tuesday
19. DRIVE TECH DRIVING SCHOOL – $20 off Behind the wheel drivers training (6 hour course). Private Lessons 688-4502.
20. DR. J’s BIKE SHOP – 15% off purchases up to $500, valid Tuesdays only. Does not apply to bicycles, service, rentals or tours.
21. DR. SEAMOUNT SPECIALIST IN ORTHODONTICS – 15% off complete treatment
22. EL RANCHO Coffee Bar – Weekends Only (Saturday & Sunday). $1 off one coffee drink or half off one brewed coffee, per Cardholder, per day
23. FIGUEROA MOUNTAIN BREWING CO. – 10% daily on daught beer, growler fills and merchandise. Not to be combined with any other offer.
24. FINE WOOD INTERIORS – 10% up to $100 off any new wood floor, re-sand or re-coat. Free estimates.
25. FIRESTONE WALKER BREWING CO. – “10% off entire purchase, M-TH.  Buellton Taproom.  Cardholder only.
26. FIRST BANK – Free small safe deposit box for 1 year when you open any First Bank checking account (Solvang branch only) 
27. FRAMES BY MIREN – The only Certified Picture Framer in SB Co! 10% savings on custom picture framing and 15% savings on custom sports framing. By apt. Call/Text 331-8645 or www.framesbymiren.com
28. FRESCO VALLEY CAFÉ – 10% off order Monday & Tuesday (1 order per card). Excludes beer and wine.
29. GINO’S PIZZA – 10% off order, every day
30. GLOBAL GARDENS – 15% off Friday’s only entire selection foods & Gifts at our Los Olivos Farm Stand, 2450 Alamo Pintado Road.
31. GOOD LIFE CRAFT BEER & WINE CELLAR – 15% discount on all ‘off-premise’ bottle purchases for cardholder only. Must be 21+ in age.
32. G. Wilikers – 10% off everyday!
33. HARRISON HARDWARE – 10% off on Mon., Tues., & Wed. 1051 Edison St. location only
34. HEAVENLY HANDS – outcall massage. Receive $10 off, not to be combined with Senior Citizen Discount. 245-6758.
35. HOME CONNECTION – 15% discount on one item, Tues. or Wed. (excluding net priced items)
36. ICE IN PARADISE – New Ice Skating Rink in Goleta. 10% off Public Skate Session.  Limit 6 people.
37. INGEBORG’S CHOCOLATES – 10% off Every day, 365 Days!  Cardholder only
38. J. WOESTE, LOS OLIVOS –  10% off purchases on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
39. JIM’S SERVICE CENTER – 4 cents off per gallon.  Gasoline and Diesel fuel only.  Cash Only.  – No credit or debit cards with this offer.
40. JOHNSON’S JEWEL BOX – $5.00 Ear Piercing on Tuesdays
41. KABUKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT – 10% off Thursday nights
42. KATE’S YOGURT, Solvang – 10% off yogurt purchase
43. KNIT FIT – 20% off Painting
44. LIFE CHIROPRACTIC – 50% off  New Patient initial services
45. LONGHORN COFFEE SHOP – 10% off purchase, Cardholder only
46. LOS OLIVOS GENERAL STORE – 10% off purchases on Wednesdays
47. LOS OLIVOS GROCERY – 10% off purchase every Mon. & Tues. (exclusive of Tobacco & Newspapers Only) – Cardholder Only
48. MIE’S BEADS – 15% off purchase of $15 or more M-F
49. MOTHER HUBBARD’S RESTAURANT – 10% off purchase, Must present card before ordering (not valid with any other offer)
50. NEARY CHIROPRACTIC – 20% off treatment for new patients. Does not apply to insurance or current patients.
51. NEW FRONTIERS NATURAL MARKETPLACE – 10% off purchases between $50.00 & $99.00.  $15% off purchases $100 or more. (Valid on Wednesdays) Cardholder Only
52. NIELSEN’S MARKET – 10% off groceries Wed. only (exclusive of weekly ad items, liquor, tobacco & dairy)
53. OLIVE HILL FARM – 10% off any purchase, one Free Tasting per visit
54. PARTS UNKNOWN – 10% off your purchase of $150.00 or more (valid Tuesdays at Solvang store only)
55. PERFORMANCE FITNESS – 10 Day Passes for $60 OR 75% off Enrollment Fee (Passes must be used by 1 person in 90 day period)
56. PIZZA SHACK – 10% off your order
57. POLKA DOT – 20% off all Catering & Event planning  
58. R. GOULD & SON ELECTRIC – 10% off any electrical labor. 688-8849
59. RADIANCE TANNING – 10% off products & services M – F, 15% off on Saturdays
60. SANTA YNEZ BURRITO – Free fountain drink with purchase of burrito at regular price
61. SANTA YNEZ VALLEY CHEESE COMPANY – 10% off any purchase, 1095 Meadowvale Rd, Suite E, Santa Ynez
62. SANTA YNEZ VALLEY FLORIST – 10% discount on $50.00 or more purchase. Local orders only. Purchase does not apply to Teleflora orders and sale items.  688-4231
63. SANTA YNEZ WINE COUNTRY MASSAGE – $20 Off 90 minute ($10 off 60 minute) in-home massage 886-4551
64. SOLARPONICS – $500 off any system purchase
65. SOLVANG BAKERY – 20% off with Pirate Pass on all merchandise, everyday (except birthday or wedding cakes), 438 Alisal Road, Solvang, 688-4939
66. SOLVANG BREWING CO. – 10% off food items, exclusive of Alcohol – Cardholder only
67. SOLVANG CHIROPRACTIC – $50 includes: Chiropractic adjustment with comprehensive health exam; nutritional consult and private personal training session. $200 value 325-9698
68. SOLVANG COFFEE COMPANY – (adjacent to the Book Loft) – Free 12oz drip coffee with purchase of baked good on Mondays & Tuesdays
69. SOLVANG RESTAURANT – 10% off Tuesdays, food only, not to-go orders
70. SOLVANG TOYLAND – 10% off $20.00 or more purchases, Wednesdays or Thursdays only. (Excludes sale items)
71. STAR DRUGS – Wednesdays only,15% off on all merchandise (excludes prescriptions and UPS/FedEx Shipping)
72. STATE FARM INSURANCE – JULIA TIPOLT AGENCY – $5 Visa Gift Card for new home or auto quote, new customers only (1 per Household), with Pirate Pass 688-5537
73. STEVE’S WHEEL & TIRE – Free Nitrogen Air Fill & Tire Rotation ($50 value) exp. 12/31/15
74. SUCCULENT CAFÉ – 15% off dinner entrees on Wednesdays and Thursdays (excludes alcohol)
75. THE CLIQUE – 10% off entire purchase on Wednesdays
76. TOWER PIZZA – $2 off $15 or more
77. UPS STORE– 10% off notary service, 5% off UPS shipping.
78. VALLEY GRIND, Santa Ynez – 10% off all coffee drinks on Mondays only. 20% off one retail item on Tuesdays only.
79. VALLEY HARDWARE & GARDEN CENTER – Pirate Bag (Mondays only): 10% off regularly priced merchandise that fits in our bag

80. VIKING PRESS PRINTING– 100 Color Copies for $20.17 including tax (or .20 each + tax, any quantity) with presentation of Pirate Pass. 515 4^th Place, Solvang,  688-5219

1. VINEYARD HOUSE RESTAURANT – Complimentary Appetizer or Dessert,  Mondays and Wednesdays – Limit 1 Per Table, $25 Minimum Purchase
2. VINTINPIX – Vintage Trailer & Photo Booth Company $50 off photo booth rental (2 hour minimum), not good with any other offers/discounts 688-1025
3. WEST CHIROPRACTIC – 25% Off Office Visit.

The post Pirate Pass available for many Santa Ynez Valley businesses appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Crowds were very animated cheering for all the parade floats and participants during the annual Fourth of July parade in Solvang, sponsored by the Solvang Rotary Club. A few thousand people from all around as far away as China came to watch the small town parade celebrating America’s Independence Day. There were 675 participants in 73 entries. The judges were Jason Stiff, Meteorologist, for KCOY TV 12; Ken Harwood, Chamber of Commerce Economist and retired college professor; Elizabeth Jensen, retired Solvang store owner and board member of the Elverhoj Museum; and Allan Jones,

Below the photo gallery is the list of winners from yesterday’s parade.

The festivities continued into the evening with the Santa Ynez Valley Rotary Club sponsoring the booths and concerts at Old Mission Santa Ines as well as the firework show! All the proceeds benefit local charities and organizations that help people in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Sweepstakes  –  Reel Cowboys

Best Use of Parade Theme – Flat Fender Friends

Most Patriotic – Daughters of the American Revolution Santa Ynez and Lompoc chapters

Most Original – Operation Christmas Child

Most Amusing – Lompoc Shrine Club

Most Unique –  Donut Time

Most Creative – All Sports Fitness

Best Band –  Charros de Santa Ynez

Best Singing Group – Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co with Davy Brown and the Pale Ales!

Best Singing – Single – Libby Padfield – National Anthem

Best Family Group – Rancho Ruvalcaba y Familia

Best Church Group – SYV Presbyterian Church

Best Senior Group – Solvang Senior Center

Best Animal Group – Old Yeller Ranch Rescue

Best Wagon Group – Willow Creek Ranch Friends & Family

Best Wagon – Single – Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538

Best Automobile Group – Vaper Trail Vettes

Best Automobile – Single – Bobby Bruhn’s 1954 Corvette, Rick Torres State Farm Ins.

Best Automobile – Restored – Dan Hoagland’s 1958 Ford Skyliner Retractable Hardtop

Best Automobile – Antique  –  Floyd Keinath’s Model A Coupe

Best Automobile Antique Group – Model A Clubs of SYV & Santa Maria

Best Fire Engine –  Engine 30 Solvang Fire Dept.

Best Tractor –  Howard Marion’s 1950 John Deere

Best Equestrian Group – Hernandez Friesians

Best Equestrian – Single – Charros Los Caporales

Best Viking Ship – Vikings of Solvang

Best Cub Scout Troop Pack – Boy Scout Troop Pack 41

Best Color Guard – American Legion Post #160

Road Apple Crew – Lucky Clover 4-Hers Grace Morell, Tessa Haws, Valentina del Solar

Best Clown – Lompoc Shrine Club

Best Sport Group –  SYVUHS Boys Water Polo Team

Best Military Group –  American Legion Riders Dist 16

Best Walking Group –  Friends of the Library of the SYV

Best Dancing Group –  Garcia Dance Studio

Most Energetic – Figueroa Mtn Brewing Co.

Best Group for a Cause – Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church

Best School Group –  SYVUHS Robotics Club Mecha Pirates

Best Youth Group –  Lucky Clover 4-H

Best Audience Participation – Veggie Rescue

The post Fourth of July Parade celebrates “Life and Liberty in the Valley” appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.